Taurine

Uses

Taurine is an amino acid-like compound and a component of bile acids, which are used to help absorb fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Taurine also helps regulate the heart beat, maintain cell membrane stability, and prevent brain cell over-activity.

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This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Taurine, an amino acid, helps increase the force and effectiveness of heart-muscle contractions. Research (some double-blind) has shown that taurine helps people with CHF. Most doctors suggest taking 2 grams three times per day.

2 Stars

Anemia and Iron Deficiency

1,000 mg daily at a different time from an additional iron supplement

Taurine has been shown, in a double-blind study, to improve the response to iron therapy in young women with iron-deficiency anemia.

Taurine has been shown, in a double-blind study, to improve the response to iron therapy in young women with iron-deficiency anemia. The amount of taurine used was 1,000 mg per day for 20 weeks, given in addition to iron therapy, but at a different time of the day. The mechanism by which taurine improves iron utilization is not known.

2 Stars

Cystic Fibrosis

30 mg per 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of body weight daily

Taurine is an amino acid and a component of bile acids, which are important for proper fat digestion. Supplementing with taurine may help improve fat digestion.

Taurine is an amino acid and a component of bile acids, which are important for proper fat digestion. Some, but not all, investigators have reported improvement in fat digestion among people with CF when they supplemented with 30 mg taurine per 2.2 pounds of body weight daily. Greater improvement was seen in people with the worst maldigestion.

2 Stars

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

1,000 mg daily

Taurine has been shown to improve the response to iron therapy in young women with iron-deficiency anemia.

Taurine has been shown, in a double-blind study, to improve the response to iron therapy in young women with iron-deficiency anemia. The amount of taurine used was 1,000 mg per day for 20 weeks, given in addition to iron therapy, but at a different time of the day. The mechanism by which taurine improves iron utilization is not known.

2 Stars

Pre- and Post-Surgery Health

Take at least 1.5 grams daily before and after surgery

Taurine is an amino acid that appears to have an important role in immune cell functions. Supplementing with it may reduce inflammation.

Taurine is an amino acid abundantly present in the body that also appears to have an important role in immune cell functions. A preliminary trial found that patients receiving an oral formula enriched with taurine (1 gram per liter) beginning two days before surgery and continuing until five days after surgery had less inflammation after surgery compared with those receiving a standard formula.

1 Star

Cardiomyopathy

Refer to label instructions

Taurine has been shown in preliminary studies to be beneficial for cardiomyopathy.

Several veterinary studies have demonstrated benefits from supplementation with taurine, another amino acid, in animals with cardiomyopathy. Most of these studies showed taurine deficiency to be a cause of cardiomyopathy. Taurine supplementation in animals with DCM has resulted in improvement of symptoms and survival rates. However, clinical studies in humans are lacking; thus, despite a good safety record, the benefits of taurine supplementation in people with any form of cardiomyopathy remain speculative. When taurine supplements are used by doctors to treat people with other conditions, 2 grams taken three times per day for a total of 6 grams per day is often recommended.

1 Star

Epilepsy

Refer to label instructions

Taurine, an amino acid that is thought to play a role in the brain's electrical activity, appears to temporarily reduce epileptic seizures in some people.

Taurine is an amino acid that is thought to play a role in the electrical activity of the brain; deficits of taurine in the brain have been associated with some types of epilepsy. However, while some short-term studies have suggested that taurine supplementation may reduce epileptic seizures in some people, the effect appears to be only temporary.

1 Star

Hypertension

Refer to label instructions

Research has found that supplementing with taurine lowers blood pressure in people, possibly by reducing levels of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline).

A deficiency of the amino acid taurine, is thought by some researchers to play an important role in elevating blood pressure in people with hypertension. Limited research has found that supplementation with taurine lowers blood pressure in animals and in people (at 6 grams per day), possibly by reducing levels of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline).

1 Star

Type 1 Diabetes

Refer to label instructions

People with type 1 diabetes tend to have low taurine levels, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease. Supplementing with taurine may restore levels.

Taurine is an amino acid found in protein-rich food. People with type 1 diabetes have been reported to have low blood taurine levels, a condition that increases the risk of heart disease by altering blood viscosity. Supplementing with taurine (1.5 grams per day) has restored blood taurine to normal levels and corrected the problem of blood viscosity within three months.

1 Star

Type 2 Diabetes

Refer to label instructions

Supplementing with taurine may affect insulin secretion and action, and may help protect the eyes and nerves from diabetic complications.

Animal studies have shown that supplementing with taurine, an amino acid found in protein-rich food, may affect insulin secretion and action, and may have potential in protecting the eyes and nerves from diabetic complications. However, a double-blind trial found no effect on insulin secretion or sensitivity when men with high risk for developing diabetes were given 1.5 grams per day of taurine for eight weeks. In another double-blind trial, taurine supplementation (2 grams per day for 12 months) failed to improve kidney complications associated with type 2 diabetes.

How It Works

How to Use It

For the treatment of various medical conditions, doctors typically recommend 1.5 grams to as much as 6 grams or more per day.

Where to Find It

Taurine is found mostly in meat and fish. Except for infants, the human body is able to make taurine from cysteine-another amino acid.

Possible Deficiencies

Most people, including vegans (vegetarians who eat no dairy or eggs), do not need taurine supplements. While infants require taurine, the amount in either human milk or formula is adequate. People with diabetes have been reported to have lower blood levels of taurine than non-diabetics.1

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Reduce Side Effects

none

Support Medicine

none

Reduces Effectiveness

none

Potential Negative Interaction

none

Explanation Required

none

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers' package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Side Effects

At the time of writing, there were no well-known side effects caused by this supplement.

The information presented by Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2017.

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